LSE Focal Point Podcast

Nick Leppard, Founder and CEO of Accordion and co-founder of SaaS platform Maestro, brings deep PE finance and banking experience. He discusses building a firm to serve CFOs of private equity-backed companies. Conversation covers scaling from staffing to consulting, founding discipline, culture-first hiring, and traits that succeed in PE finance.

Join us for another engaging episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Sjoerd Leenart, the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Banking for J.P. Morgan Asia Pacific. Prior to his current role, he ran Debt Capital markets in London and later oversaw the bank’s operations across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, before rising to become the Global Head of Corporate Banking. Sjoerd holds a university degree in economics and is a long-serving global banking leader dedicated to developing talent and building strong teams across the organisation.Recorded in February, 2026

Join us for another insightful episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Monty Yort, a Managing Partner at Gen NX 360 Capital Partners. Prior to his current role, he was a Managing Partner at Schroders Ventures and began his career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Monty holds a degree from UCLA and is a passionate mentor to young professionals, actively sharing guidance with students and early-career investors.Recorded in December, 2025

Join us for another engaging episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Kathy Kellert, the Head of Index Equity Product at Vanguard. Prior to her current role, she has worked across investment risk, asset allocation research, and corporate strategy, and previously led model portfolio development within Vanguard’s financial advisor business. Kathy holds an MBA from the University of Georgia and is deeply engaged in advancing investor education and long-term stewardship in global capital markets.Recorded in December, 2025

Join us for another insightful episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Mike Zheng, a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. Prior to his current role, he held senior positions at Deutsche Bank, including roles in Asia equity sales and hedge fund equity sales across London and Hong Kong. Mike holds an academic background from the London School of Economics and is a CFA, CAIA and FRM charterholder.Recorded in December, 2025

Join us for another insightful episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Joshua Adams, a Partner at OpenGate Capital. Prior to his current role, he trained as a chartered accountant, worked in corporate finance, and later joined Platinum Equity as part of its early European expansion. Josh holds a chartered accountancy qualification and is an avid sportsman, having played high-level cricket and remaining deeply engaged in golf outside of his professional career. Recorded in November, 2025

Join us for another insightful episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Martin Kingston, the Executive Chairman of Rothschild & Co South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Partner of the Rothschild & Co Group with Responsibility for Africa. Prior to his current role, he was a chartered accountant at PwC, and worked at Morgan Grenfell, advancing to Executive Chairman and Head of Global Banking, Deutsche Bank, South Africa. Martin holds a degree in English Language and Medieval Literature from Durham University and is the Chair of Business for South Africa, Vice President of Business Unity South Africa, and a long-time contributor to education initiatives through the Rothschild & Co Africa Foundation.Recorded in November, 2025

Join us for another engaging episode at Focal Point, where today we are joined by Vasco Litchfield, a Managing Director at Lazard. Prior to his current role, he worked at TV Globo, Rothschild Brazil, and Barings Brothers. Vasco holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Bristol and is passionate about mentoring young professionals and fostering curiosity in the next generation of finance leaders.Recorded in October, 2025

Mathew Masters, CEO of Caledonia Investments, shares insights from nearly two decades in finance. He discusses his journey from building surveying to corporate finance, revealing how diligence opened doors to private equity. Mathew explains Caledonia's low-leverage approach to acquisitions, emphasizing long-term, understandable investments. He touches on the importance of patience and research in sourcing niche assets. Career advice for students includes adaptability in a fast-evolving job market and enjoying the process of work.

Join us for another insightful episode at Focal Point where today we are joined by Andrew DiGeronimo, the Managing Director and Co-Head of Partnership Solutions at Warburg Pincus. Prior to his current role, he was an Associate at PwC and Eurohypo AG, a Partner at LGT Capital Partners. Andrew holds a degree from the University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and is actively involved in mentoring young professionals entering the finance industry.Recorded in October, 2025